NFL Draft rooting guide for Saints’ bye week

By Ross Jackson

Even though the New Orleans Saints (2-8) are on a bye week this week, the team could still be impacted by Sunday’s slate of games. With several one, two or three-win teams taking the field in Week 11, the Saints could see their draft position (currently No. 2 overall) change if those teams continue to lose or if any of them pick up a surprise win.

New Orleans saw a lot of fortune go its way last week. After winning in Carolina, the Tennessee Titans were on a bye while the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins pulled off surprise victories. Them doing so again this week could be very helpful for the Saints, who appear to have new wind beneath their wings.

Early Afternoon Slate

Carolina Panthers (5-5) at Atlanta Falcons (3-7)
Rooting interest: Falcons

Feels gross, I know. But the Falcons are just 3-7 despite having apparently won the offseason. With that, a win over the Panthers would advance them to four wins, giving the Saints some space should they beat the Falcons next week in New Orleans. 

Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) at New York Giants (2-8)
Rooting Interest: Giants

Similarly, a Giants upset would keep some distance between them and the Saints should New Orleans steal a win coming out of the bye week. The other reason for rooting for the Giants here is that former Saints quarterback, and New Orleans favorite, Jameis Winston will start for New York this week.

Houston Texans (4-5) at Tennessee Titans (1-8)
Rooting Interest: Titans

Currently holding the No. 1 overall selection, the Titans have a tougher strength of schedule than the Saints. Meaning that if Tennessee and the Saints were tied together at 2-8, the Saints would get the better pick. However, things get tricky if a team like the Giants finishes the week at 2-9, which would technically leave them with a worse record through eleven weeks.

Late Afternoon Slot

Baltimore Ravens (4-5) at Cleveland Browns (2-8)
Rooting Interest: Browns

Much like the Titans, the Browns could end up with a 2-8 record after this game. However, Cleveland has an even easier schedule than New Orleans. That means the Browns would leap the Saints if they have the same schedule. 

Monday Night Football

Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
Rooting Interest: Raiders

The Cowboys can lose here without having much impact on New Orleans thanks to their early-season tie with the Packers. The Raiders do have a stronger strength of schedule than New Orleans, meaning that they pose a lesser threat if tied with the Saints. However, creating some space would be beneficial.